Carers

You are a carer if you look after a family member, friend or neighbour who, without your support, would struggle to manage day to day.

This could be because they have a physical disability, learning disability, dementia, mental health condition, problems with drugs or alcohol, or because they are ill or frail.

Anyone can be a carer. Carers come from all walks of life, all cultures, and can be of any age.

The person you care for may live with you or elsewhere. They may be an adult or a child. If they rely on you for support, you are a carer.

It is important that we know if you are a carer so we can ensure you receive the appropriate information, support, and access to services available to you.

Carers Champions

Our practice has a Carers Champion within the reception and administration team.

The Carers Champion helps to:

identify patients who are carers
ensure carers are appropriately coded on their medical record
keep the carers register up to date
arrange carers’ health checks where appropriate
act as an advocate to help carers access services within the practice

If you tell us that you are a carer, the Carers Champion can help make sure this is recorded correctly and that you are signposted to relevant support.

Let us know if you are a carer

If you are a carer, please complete the form below so we can update your medical record and ensure you are offered appropriate support.

Register as a carer

Comments
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name*
First Last
Date of Birth:*
DD
MM
YYYY
Email*
Phone*
Address*
Street Address Address Line 2 Town/City County Postcode
Name of person being cared for:*
First Last
Date of Birth:*
DD
MM
YYYY
Address*
Street Address Address Line 2 Town/City County Postcode
What relation to you is the person being cared for:*
Is the person being cared for a patient at Parkwood surgery?*
Yes
No

Carers in Hertfordshire

Carers in Hertfordshire is a local charity that provides free support to unpaid carers living or caring in Hertfordshire.

They offer:

a safe space to discuss practical and emotional concerns
information to help carers make informed choices
free workshops and training related to caring
peer support and opportunities to share experiences

Provided you live, work, care, or are registered with a GP in Hertfordshire, you can access these services for free.

Find out more or register: Carers in Herts or register for their services.

Once registered, you will receive:

a free carers’ information pack
regular updates about events
their biannual newsletter, Carewaves

Registered charity number: 1085491

Company Limited by Guarantee. Registration number 4131036 (England and Wales)

Care for Carers

Care for Carers recognises that caring can be both rewarding and demanding.

This programme explores:

the emotional and psychological impact of caring
practical tools and coping strategies
self-care, assertive communication, and realistic thinking
ways to build a more sustainable caring role

The programme includes information about support available through local services, including HPFT-IAPY, for those who may benefit from additional emotional support.

Find out more: https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/adult-social-services/carers/how-to-get-help.aspx#

If you are unsure whether you count as a carer, please speak to a member of the reception team – they will arrange for you to be contacted by our Carers Champion.